Alton Towers crash caused by human error

MERLIN Entertainments, which owns Alton Towers in North Staffordshire, has said that the roller coaster crash at the theme park in June which left two young women needing leg amputations was caused by human error.

Having concluded its investigation Merlin said the accident – in which ‘The Smiler’ ride crashed into an empty carriage – on June 2 was the result of human error culminating in the manual override of the ride’s safety control system without the appropriate protocols being followed.

Merlin said there were found to be no technical or mechanical problems with the ride itself.

The ride has been closed to the public since June but is due to re-open next year.
A total of 16 people were injured in the accident. The four people sat in the front row were among those most seriously hurt.

Merlin announced earlier this month that 200 jobs are set to be axed at Alton Towers after takings were hit following the  rollercoaster crash.